Lines of research: Formation & Evolution of Galaxies (FYEG)

Formation & Evolution of Galaxies (FYEG)

Galaxies are formed progressively through a complex combination of gas accretion, star formation and merger processes with other galaxies. The aim of the Galaxy Formation & Evolution research line is to unveil the physical mechanisms responsible for the most significant transformations in these objects. The research team that makes up the research line is strongly involved in the development of forefront instrumentation (EMIR, FRIDA, GTCAO, HARMONI, OSIRIS, WEAVE) and has an important role in the scientific exploitation and  development of international projects (SDSS, EUCLID, LSST) for the study of the formation and evolution of galaxies.

 
The line stands out for studies on the three-dimensional structure of the Milky Way (including its system of globular clusters and satellite galaxies), the characterisation of stellar populations and dynamics of nearby galaxies, the cycle of activity of supermassive black holes at the centres of  galaxies, the conditions of the interstellar medium in the first galaxies, and the role of dark matter in their evolution. Besides, thanks to the recently created simulations group, we also aim to relate observations with theory by means of numerical models over cosmological volumes and thus obtain predictions for future observations.
  • Publication
    The ionized gas in the CALIFA early-type galaxies. I. Mapping two representative cases: NGC 6762 and NGC 5966
    As part of the ongoing CALIFA survey, we have conducted a thorough bidimensional analysis of the ionized gas in two E/S0 galaxies, NGC 6762 and NGC 5966, aiming...
  • Publication
    The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. V. The Star Formation History of Sagittarius Dwarf Irregular Galaxy Derived from Long-period Variable Stars
    We conducted an optical monitoring survey of the Sagittarius dwarf irregular galaxy (SagDIG) during the period of 2016 June-2017 October, using the 2.5 m Isaac...
  • Publication
    The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. VI. The Star Formation History and Dust Production in Andromeda IX
    We present a photometric study of the resolved stellar populations in Andromeda IX (And IX), the closest satellite to M31, a metal-poor and low-mass dwarf...
  • Publication
    The ISM Properties and Gas Kinematics of a Redshift 3 Massive Dusty Star-forming Galaxy
    We present CO (J = 1 → 0 3 → 2 5 → 4 10 → 9) and 1.2 kpc resolution [C II] line observations of the dusty star-forming galaxy (SFG) HXMM05—carried out with the...
  • Publication
    The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Nearby Galaxies Legacy Survey - IX. 12CO J = 3→2 observations of NGC 2976 and NGC 3351
    We present 12CO J = 3→2 maps of NGC 2976 and NGC 3351 obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), both early targets of the JCMT Nearby Galaxy...
  • Publication
    The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Nearby Galaxies Legacy Survey. I. Star-Forming Molecular Gas in Virgo Cluster Spiral Galaxies
    We present large-area maps of the CO J = 3-2 emission obtained at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope for four spiral galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. We combine...
  • Publication
    The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Nearby Galaxies Legacy Survey. II. Warm Molecular Gas and Star Formation in Three Field Spiral Galaxies
    We present the results of large-area 12CO J = 3-2 emission mapping of three nearby field galaxies, NGC 628, NGC 3521, and NGC 3627, completed at the James Clerk...
  • News
    The James Webb observes the first galaxies in the universe and discovers and “impostor”
    An international study, carried out by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in which the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has participated, shows...
  • News
    The James Webb telescope produces an unparalleled view of the ghostly light in galaxy clusters
    A recent study, entirely done by researchers at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has produced the most complete analysis to date of the...